Three goals in the opening half hour from Tom McLachlan, Dustin Wells and Jason Ugrinic exposed a soft underbelly to Canberra FC’s backline, with Belconnen ripping through the defence almost at will as all three goals came down the centre of the park.

The dominant Blue Devils hit the woodwork twice in addition and were good value for their half-time lead.

Some stern words at the interval from FC coach Ray Junna saw a much-improved second half from Canberra FC and it got back into the contest via a goal from Philippe Bernabo-Madrid.

Alex Oloriegbe headed home with five minutes to play to cause a few nerves to be frayed in the Blue Devils’ camp but Belconnen held on to claim a deserved success and end a 16-year drought.